Articles by: Seema Sharma

India Struggling To Have  Clean Air For Blue Skies

India Struggling To Have  Clean Air For Blue Skies

As we mark the United Nations International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7 and raise demands for better air pollution management, we also stare at the crop residue burning and approaching winter season when air quality levels in large parts of the country touch hazardous limits. Central and state governments spring into action with various measures as pollution[Read More…]

by 10/09/2022 Comments are Disabled Environmental Protection
Uttarakhand In Need of Climate Resilient Agriculture Practices

Uttarakhand In Need of Climate Resilient Agriculture Practices

In the last few years, we have been witnessing erratic, unpredictable and unexpected changes in climate, which are more perceptible in the Himalayan region of the country. These changes are threatening agriculture productivity as well as livelihood security of rural communities.  If ignored, climate variability and climate change can disrupt food supply chains, reduce access to food, and affect food[Read More…]

by 21/08/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch
Climate change wreaks havoc in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain

Climate change wreaks havoc in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain

 Indiscriminate road building and hydropower projects are increasing the vulnerability of the mountainous areas of Uttarakhand to the impact of climate change that is manifesting in the form of cloud bursts and flash floods in recent years. With every passing year,  both frequency and magnitude of the disasters is getting more severe. An example of how this is affecting the[Read More…]

by 24/07/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch
India to be worst hit if it cannot reduce fossil fuel dependency

India to be worst hit if it cannot reduce fossil fuel dependency

If the six most fossil fuel dependent  nations do not transition to use of cleaner energy sources and adapt to climate change  they will face a bleak economic future. According to a new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) India , one among these six, is predicted to be the worst sufferer. The report recommends that  these[Read More…]

by 12/07/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch
Experts: No health risk for majority of people in fourth wave of pandemic

Experts: No health risk for majority of people in fourth wave of pandemic

A sense of complacency has crept in the hearts and minds of people who otherwise have been wary of contracting COVID in the last three years. People are setting out for travel, arranging and participating in social functions and, in a nutshell going about their normal lives. In the meanwhile, speculations are also rife about an impending fourth wave of COVID. Chandrakant Lahariya, vaccines, public policy and[Read More…]

by 13/03/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch
Boatmen Pushed to the Brink by Covid in UP

Boatmen Pushed to the Brink by Covid in UP

The economy of the impoverished Mallah or boatmen community living in various villages of Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) received a major jolt during Covid times. Many are stuck in a non-ending cycle of debt or have lost their precious valuables to local lenders. Majid Mallah of Imrana village told Covid Response Watch, “Covid – 19 shook us completely when markets were[Read More…]

by 01/03/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch
Jesse helping Sneha identify the smell and touch of a flower

COVID complicates lives of those afflicted with deaf-blindness

Since it started in early 2020 the COVID pandemic has posed great challenges for many with hearing and visual impairments, particularly children. Talking with the help of hands or facial expression is the most convenient way for a person dealing  with  hearing impairment  to communicate. Even a person with visual impairment    requires support of objects and humans to move around[Read More…]

by 19/02/2022 Comments are Disabled COVID Response Watch